Cast iron and acrylic are among the most popular materials for freestanding tubs and other types of bathtubs. Cast iron and acrylic tubs are both known to be durable and easy to clean. They also have excellent heat retention properties. In addition, cast iron and acrylic tubs both have a smooth, glossy surface that provides a clean, lustrous look that complements nearly any type of bathroom design.

These significant, shared advantages make cast iron and acrylic tubs highly popular among homeowners. Choosing between a cast iron and acrylic tub typically comes down to several key factors (including budget, tub weight/installation requirements, design and style preferences, and long-term maintenance considerations). When it comes to deciding between a cast iron and acrylic tub, five key differences to consider are:

 

Cast Iron Tubs Are Typically More Expensive Than Acrylic Tubs (But May Last Longer!)

When it comes to the cast iron vs acrylic tub debate, acrylic is considered the most cost-effective option. Acrylic tubs are usually made from fiberglass reinforced acrylic plastic sheets. Some high-end acrylic tubs are reinforced with a blend of resin and fiberglass to provide extra strength and durability. Foam insulation may also be used between tub walls to enhance insulation. These raw materials are less expensive to manufacture than cast iron and porcelain enamel.

Freestanding cast iron tubs, built from an iron-carbon alloy coated with porcelain enamel, have been popular since the late 19 ^th century. During this era, David Dunbar Buick invented the method for permanently coating cast iron with vitreous enamel which allowed the production of white porcelain enameled cast iron tubs at a lower cost. This process is still used today. However, most porcelain-enameled cast iron tubs on the market today are still more expensive than acrylic bathtubs.

 

Kingston Brass Aqua Eden 53" Cast Iron Slipper Clawfoot Bathtub

 

Nonetheless, cast iron is more durable and lasts far longer than acrylic. While a properly built and maintained acrylic tub can last for 10-15 years (or even longer), a cast iron tub can easily last for 50+ years! However, this longevity comes with higher material and manufacturing costs.

 

Acrylic Tubs Are Available in a Wider Variety of Designs

By the early 1980s, acrylic bathtubs began to appear in homes across North America. The popularity of acrylic tubs during this time can be attributed to their ability to be molded into a variety of unique shapes.

Compared to traditional bathtub materials like cast iron, acrylic is a far more versatile material for bathtub designers. Because acrylic is highly flexible and malleable, acrylic tub manufacturers are able to create a wide range of tub styles, from standard rectangular tubs to more contemporary designs that utilize curves, including round freestanding tubs, corner garden tubs, and acrylic whirlpool tubs.

 

 

Acrylic can be molded into more shapes than cast iron tubs. Cast iron is typically used to build freestanding clawfoot, pedestal, and rectangular alcove tub models.

 

Acrylic Tubs Are Lighter (and Easier to Install) than Cast Iron

Acrylic is a lightweight material that’s easy to manufacture and mold into different shapes. An average-sized acrylic freestanding tub typically weighs between 60 and 130 pounds.

Cast iron tubs are much heavier (typically ranging from 230-500 pounds) and therefore more difficult to install than lightweight acrylic tubs. Extra floor support may be required to install a cast iron tub on the second floor of a home.

 

 

Cast Iron is More Prone to Chipping, Acrylic is More Prone to Scratching

Cast iron tubs are typically coated with multiple layers of porcelain enamel. This creates a strong, smooth, aesthetically pleasing surface that is long-lasting, easy to clean, and highly resistant to scratching and denting. However, porcelain-enameled cast iron tubs are somewhat more prone to chipping than acrylic tubs. The enamel finish of a cast iron tub can chip if you drop something heavy onto the surface of your tub. Once chipped, the exposed cast iron underneath is susceptible to rusting. However, a cast iron alcove or clawfoot tub can be refinished aka professionally re-enameled at any time. This service typically costs anywhere between $350–650 on average. For a few hundred dollars or less, a bathtub repair company that specializes in chip repairs may also be able to repair a chipped cast iron tub.

Some cast iron tubs (including many of those manufactured by Barclay) have a porcelain enamel interior and epoxy exterior. Epoxy provides a strong, resistant coating that can be more resilient to impacts and chipping than some other finishes.

Acrylic bathtubs, on the other hand, are made of a non-porous lightweight and flexible material. They do not have a brittle enamel coating, so they are less likely to chip when impacted. However, acrylic tubs are somewhat more prone to surface scratches, though these are often easier to repair than chips in porcelain. To fix scratches on an acrylic tub, you can use acrylic polish and sandpaper. You can also use an inexpensive acrylic tub repair kit to fix minor chips or cracks.

 

 

Cast Iron Soaking Tubs Have Superior Heat Retention – Though Acrylic Tubs Are Also Good…

A cast iron tub excels in heat retention due to its heavy, dense base material. It retains heat for a long period of time, allowing for a warm bathing experience long after the bath was drawn. This makes it ideal for people who enjoy long, leisurely soaks.

 

 

In comparison, an acrylic tub is lighter and less dense yet slightly less effective at holding heat. It tends to cool down more quickly compared to cast iron, meaning the temperature of your bathwater may drop faster, especially during long baths. However, acrylic is more than adequate for an average length bath! In addition, many acrylic tub models can have extra foam insulation added between tub walls during manufacturing. This helps the tub retain heat more effectively during bathing.

 

Cast Iron vs Acrylic Tubs – Frequently Asked Questions

 

What are the advantages of cast iron tubs?

Cast iron tubs are known for their timeless beauty and durability. When it comes to vintage charm, there really is no replacement for a quality enameled cast iron tub!

The smooth, glossy surface of a cast iron tub’s porcelain enamel coating is highly resistant to scratches; it is also quite easy to clean with just mild dishwashing detergent like Dawn and a non-abrasive cloth. Due to their heat retention properties, cast iron tubs are the best type of soaking tub for long, relaxing baths.

 

What is the disadvantage of a cast iron tub?

While cast iron tubs are ideal for traditional and retro style bathrooms, they are quite heavy and more expensive than acrylic tubs. Installing a cast iron tub in your home may require additional floor support. A cast iron tub is also typically more expensive to repair (or replace) compared to an acrylic bathtub. If the enamel coating of a cast iron tub becomes damaged, it exposes the underlying cast iron to air and moisture. This may lead to chipping and rusting.

 

What are the pros and cons of cast iron tubs?

Cast Iron Tubs: Pros

• Beauty
• Durability
• Excellent Heat Retention

Cast Iron Tubs: Cons

• Expensive
• Very Heavy
• Susceptible to Chips & Rust Stains

 

What are the advantages of acrylic tubs?

Acrylic tubs have become extremely popular in the U.S. over the past forty years due to their affordability; light weight; and smooth, non-porous surface (that’s highly resistant to mold and mildew as well as quite easy to clean). Acrylic tubs are available in a variety of contemporary designs, making them an affordable soaking tub option for nearly any type of bathroom. Acrylic tubs are not prone to chipping, cracking, or fading. And if surface damage such as scratches do occur over time, they are usually quite easy to repair.

 

What are the disadvantages of acrylic tubs?

While acrylic tubs are easy to clean and maintain, they are typically less durable and long-lasting than cast iron tubs. Nonetheless, a properly maintained acrylic tub can still last for 10-15+ years. In fact, many people keep their well-cared-for acrylic bathtubs for 30 years or longer!

While acrylic is resistant to rust stains, hard water deposits and soap scum can build up over time, requiring regular cleaning to prevent discoloration.

 

What are the pros and cons of acrylic tubs?

Acrylic Tubs: Pros

• Lightweight
• Affordable
• Available in Variety of Styles

Acrylic Tubs: Cons

• Limited Lifespan
• More Prone to Scratches
• Susceptible to Soap Scum Buildup

 

Do acrylic tubs crack easily?

Acrylic tubs, including acrylic tubs with fiberglass reinforcement, are less likely to chip or crack than a cheaper fiberglass tub. However, if an acrylic tub is not installed correctly, or the supporting framework is inadequate, stress points can develop which can lead to cracking. Luckily, minor cracks in an acrylic tub are relatively easy to repair.

 

Cast Iron vs. Acrylic Tub – Which Option Is Best for Your Bathroom?

Porcelain-enameled cast iron bathtubs are prized for their beauty, durability, resistance to scratches, ease of maintenance, and excellent heat retention properties. However, while cast iron tubs are still valued for their classic looks and unparalleled longevity, their higher cost and heavy weight have made them less popular with consumers over time.

 

 

Over the past 40 years, acrylic tubs have become a highly popular choice for homeowners and contractors, especially for contemporary, budget-conscious bathroom renovations. Due to their affordability, lighter weight, ease of installation and maintenance, and versatility in shapes and designs, acrylic tubs outsell cast iron tubs these days. Acrylic balances cost, functionality, and aesthetics, making it the go-to bathtub material for the average U.S. homeowner.

 

 

Which type of tub that you choose will ultimately come down to personal preference and several key factors such as budget and installation requirements. For assistance with selecting the best cast iron tub or acrylic tub for your bathroom, contact our Customer Service team or check out these guides:

What is the Best Material for a Freestanding Tub?
Cast Iron Clawfoot Tub Buyer’s Guide
The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Freestanding Tub